Faro Café — Restaurant in Cambridge

My recent visit to Faro Cafe in Cambridge, MA left me with a rather unsettling experience. As someone who values both great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, I must admit that this visit fell disappointingly short of expectations.

From the moment I walked in, I couldn't help but feel an uncomfortable tension in the air. It was disheartening to observe what appeared to be a disparity in treatment between different patrons. While some were receiving warm welcomes and attentive service, my interaction with the staff felt marked by passive aggression. Especially the tall barista with glasses. If you read the other reviews that had similar experience as mine, it seems to be a pattern.

The staff's behavior seemed to be conditioned by race and social status, which is deeply disconcerting in this day and age. It's crucial for every customer to be treated with the same respect and courtesy, regardless of their background. Sadly, Faro Cafe failed in this regard, which left a lasting negative impression.

As for the coffee, it was another disappointment. I ordered a latte, hoping to find solace in a well-crafted cup, but it was far from what I expected. The latte was watery, lacking the rich, robust flavor that I look for in a good coffee. The underwhelming quality of the latte only added to my overall dissatisfaction with the experience. Give the La Marzocco GB5 S some justice.

In conclusion, my visit to Faro Cafe was marred by an unwelcoming atmosphere and subpar coffee. It's regrettable to see a place that could have been a delightful local haunt fall short of providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all its patrons. I hope that Faro Cafe takes these criticisms to heart and works toward creating an environment where everyone feels equally valued and...

I ordered a flat white, one savory scone, and one chocolate croissant. You can get the pastries warmed up, but they are not necessarily warm on the inside (mine had a nice warm exterior but a rock hard and cold inside, sadly). The coffee was good and the "foam" art was one of the best I've seen in the area. The beans are Broadsheet and the pastries are from La Saison, which are two of my favorite businesses in Cambridge. The interior is very instagrammable, with beige and wood tones, leafy plants, and mix-match chairs/tables. The music was painfully loud so I could not stay long enough to finish my croissant. No public wifi. I would come here with friends to chat but probably not to work since it is so loud.

Edit 04-2024 Returned here after a year to give this place another try. The pastries this time were from Michette. I got a pistachio and chocolate croissant thing... except the croissant had been sliced and the pistachio/chocolate spread was smeared on. It was pretty dense pastry, no flakes or laminated layers. I think it would be nice to put labels on your food offerings and give allergen alerts.. The flat white was still good and the cashier who took my order was really sweet. The place was super packed and noisy. I chose to sit outside so I could listen to my...

A laptop-less outpost ravissant for coffee and conversation by day, then refuge for the dancing bohemian by night, Faro is a rare specimen. To put it plainly: I’ve acquired many a cup a joe in my time from both far and wide; and this is my favorite coffee shop.

At risk of setting expectations too high, it should be noted that each member of the staff there knows the respective orders of their regulars, has an incredible personality, and knows their coffee to a t. They converse with guests with warmth, with intellect, and with curiosity. Credit must be given to ownership — Mila and Henry — for hiring such a staff. They too can be seen working the floor everyday alongside their kind and considerate employees. This fish rocks from the head down.

In a world of ever increasing disarray, Faro stays the tempest in their little skiff and offers us a beacon of hope. It’s a hope for a world wherein there are more third places we can commune, find laughter, familiarity, and not be constantly bombarded by The Machine.

Sail on, you little skiff. Sail on, Faro.

Oh, and the music’s always...